I'm sure it's normal but Moe (the guinea pig) is very, very timid. It always seems he's shaking, and whimpering. I got him a few weeks ago and I was wondring how I might be able to calm him down a bit, maybe even train if possible.
Does he have a place to hide for a while when he is frightened. If he has that, he should gradually come out more and more as he gets used to his new home
How much do you play with him - might need to back off and see if he gets better - then increase it slowly
mine do that, does he live alone or has he got a freind in there, you might find if he is alone and you buy him a friend he might be better - more confidence and all. Maybe get him out like once every few days and increase it, and give him things he likes when you get him out e.g dandylion leaf's etc.
check out cavycages.com for housing and toy ideas. he is probably just scared. where did you get him?
Guinea pigs are prey animals, so they are naturally scared of everything that might cause them harm. he probably hasnt had much human contact before you (if you got him from a petstore or a friend who didnt pay much attention to him). Guinea pigs love parsley, start hand feeding him veggies.. he will start to relate you with positive things. Talk to him contantly, and use his name alot... Offer yummy treats like romain lettus, and carrots too. he'll be your best friend soon enough .
give him lots of attention and treats while you hold/pet/play with him he should associate people with good things (food rewards) where did you get him? did he have any companions? maybe he just misses his friends.. guinea pigs are very social animals.. another thought: he might be sick... maybe the vet should see him? i used to breed guinea pigs they are the sweetest small animals around ours used to squeak at us when we went outside to see them and even when we went outside to do other things.. they're pretty happy creatures and so small when they are first born.. now i really miss them.. *sigh* i should start breeding them again...
thanx peeps... I'll make sure to feed him lots of veggies. I've been feeding him carrots and I think he's coming around a bit.
